Commentary: CrazyBob and I hit the trail at 8am and started up the 19Mile Brook trail. Both of us were wearing microspikes. CB had already done Wildcat A from the other side, but volunteered to join me in my first ascent. This would be a first time for both of us into Carter Notch. The 19MB trail is definitely easier in the winter. The ice formations in the brook caused us to stop along the way and take some neat pics. We stopped and chatted with a gentlemen from Mass (didn’t get his name), who lives 2 blocks from Howie Carr - Infamous Fat B@$terd.

Ice formations in the 19MBhttp://lh5.ggpht.com/_45qHh0vgTAo/S4L6bTStauI/AAAAAAAAHXo/siao_xYGl48/s640/AP2200417.JPG

As we ascended up towards the notch, the winds could be heard whipping through the trees. The sun was peaking through the clouds from time to time, but a lot of clouds were seen up at elevation. Soon we hit the intersection with the Wildcat Ridge Trail. The trail was drifted over and difficult to follow at first. But evidence of traffic from prior lifeforms could be seen here and there.

This is where I realized the error of my ways. After carrying my snowshoes around for 12 miles last weekend, I decided to leave them in the car. See, Bob is doing Rainier next summer and needs to build up his strength. I ,on the other hand, have no such grand plans. So I threw a few extra cans of SPAM and some PBR pounders into Bob’s pack while he wasn’t looking (cause I’m a nice guy), and decided to travel light. Snowshoes with traction and televators would have been nice. Bob broke trail with me in tow. I told him I'd buy him a brew later. I wore my G10 crampons which grabbed fine, but provided no calf relief.

As we gained elevation, the winds diminished and the trees became laden with snow. It was absolutely beautiful as we approached the summit and the views across the notch were outstanding.

Carter Dome across the notch. Caution: suicide in progresshttp://lh6.ggpht.com/_45qHh0vgTAo/S4L6pA_fbxI/AAAAAAAAHZo/nVW3NbI6Ym4/s640/BP2200022.JPG

The Axe man doing the Stray Cat strut with a hint of Metallicahttp://lh5.ggpht.com/_45qHh0vgTAo/S4L6qAnKvdI/AAAAAAAAHZw/9njCAzO-H5k/s640/BP2200025.JPG

The trip down the WRT was fairly uneventful. Once we hit the trail junction we ran into Steve and Amy (Getawaygirl). We chatted with them a bit and decide to hit Carter Notch Hut and eat our lunch there. Real pretty area. I guess it’s no accident where these AMC huts have been placed.

We hammered the hike out, cranking out the 3.8 miles in 1 hr and 20mins. Off to the Moat for a post hike adult beverage, and then back to Maine.